But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31(NIV)

On Wings Of Eagles

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Children God's Gift

Proverbs 13:24 (NIV)

Whoever spares the rod hates their children,

but the one who
loves their children is careful to discipline them.

As we read stories in the news we can see the real need
for discipline. In our day and age, discipline in families is on the decline.
Instead of parents being the "big boss", more and more children rule
their homes. This impacts all areas of their lives, from the classroom, to
their social interactions, to their developing habits, to their decision
making, and to their future lives.

Discipline is vitally important for the following
reasons:

1. It teaches children the concept of right and wrong. If
they are never disciplined, kids will never learn when their behavior is
unacceptable. They will never learn the difference between right and wrong.

2. It teaches boundaries. Children who are not
disciplined will never learn there are boundaries that must not be crossed. And
if they never learn the concept of boundaries, they will never learn to set
boundaries in their own lives!

3. It teaches a respect for authority. If your kids
always get their way with you, they will learn that they are the "big
boss", that they are the ones in control. It will become very difficult
for them to accept other authority figures, such as teachers, pastors, even
authorities of the law.

4. It teaches them to accept God's discipline. And God
does discipline us! We are told to welcome God's discipline, but we will never
be able to do so if we have never learned the concept of discipline!

5. It allows for discipline in schools. Without the
concept of discipline being established at home, it is very difficult to have a
disciplined classroom, which is a prerequisite for learning.

6. It teaches them good social skills. No one likes to be
with someone who always insists on their own way.

7. It helps them to develop good habits. No concept of
discipline makes temperance an impossible thing to learn. It leads to children
who have no boundaries, children who easily fall into the traps of poor eating
habits, poor personal hygiene, and the more deadly traps of drugs, alcohol and
sex.

8. It helps them learn good decision making skills. You
can't guide those kids into good decision making if what they say is the law,
if they have no respect for your authority.

9. It sets the ground work for a mature, Godly adult.
Remember, an undisciplined child grows up to be an undisciplined adult!

Remember our kids are a gift from God. He puts them in our charge to lead and guide
them to become the children of God that will bring honor to Him.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the children that You have
given to us. Help us discipline them in love so that they will become the people
You would have them to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.